Ghost Waltz Reviews

Stage and Cinema- Recommended

"...The inaugural presentation of the Latino Theater Company‘s 2024 season, Ghost Waltz stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to groundbreaking theatrical endeavors. Commissioned by the company, penned by local playwright Oliver Mayer and deftly helmed by director Alberto Barboza, this production transcends mere entertainment, serving as an enlightening exploration into the life of Juventino Rosas (1868 – 1894), a Mexican-Otomí composer of salon music who wrote his most famous piece, the lovely Viennese-style waltz “Sobre las Olas” (or “Over the Waves”) not long before passing at 26 of spinal myelitis. You’ve no doubt heard this catchy waltz — often misattributed to Johann Strauss Jr. — from Mario Lanza, during a circus or magic show, or even in Mary Poppins when Bert imitates a high-wire act."

LA Splash- Recommended

"...GHOST WALTZ will appeal to a broad audience, including history buffs, lovers of all forms of music, and especially people fascinated by little-known history. This “rags-to-riches” tale doesn’t quite make it to the “riches” part, but it does demonstrate what talent, skill, persistence, and lots of luck can accomplish."

Stage Raw- Recommended

"...From the beginning, it’s clear that Mayer intends Ghost Waltz as a journey of the spirit, with music as its carriage. The play is propelled by the alternately playful and poignant sounds of Juventino’s violin (Guerrero is a classically trained violinist). And its most pinnacle interludes are achieved when Pena-Comas, superbly cast as the Nightingale, favors us with her silvery inspirational renditions of “Sobre las Olas” and other classical works."

Broadway World- Somewhat Recommended

"...When fiddling/singing/ragging, they do. Unfortunately, Oliver Mayer’s GHOST WALTZ stagnates a bit when the notes aren’t flowing. This moody dramatic dive into the life of a violinist whose celebrated waltz got him mistaken for Strauss is as interested in questions of heritage and appropriation as it is in the biography of its historically ignored central character. As lovely as Alberto Barboza’s production looks on stage at the Los Angeles Theatre Center – and as melodic as it often sounds – GHOST WALTZ’s impact is as fleeting as the spirits who populate it."